Chennai: Two groups within the AIADMK have stepped up efforts to increase their numerical strength, prompting the party’s MLAs to raise their bargaining power, according to party sources.
The split is said to have followed a dispute over extending support to the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) government. One group is led by AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami with 22 MLAs, while another is led by former ministers S.P. Velumani and K.P. Shanmugam with 25 MLAs.
Party sources claimed that although the TVK government has proved its majority in the Assembly, there is a possibility that allies such as the VCK and Communist parties could withdraw support at any time. They said this was why support from the AIADMK side was extended in advance, and that the TVK had agreed in return to offer ministerial and board chairperson posts.
However, with the likelihood that benefits may go mainly to senior leaders, 12 MLAs in the Velumani camp are said to be dissatisfied. Palaniswami is reportedly in talks to draw them over, offering assurances including taking responsibility for debts, as several MLAs are said to have spent up to Rs 15 crore on elections and some have become indebted.
The Velumani camp, meanwhile, is also said to be urging MLAs to stay patient, arguing that a share in power could follow. Amid fears that neither side’s promises may materialise, MLAs are said to be weighing who offers more and raising demands with both camps as each tries to retain strength.
